3D Printing accelerates beyond Supercars transforming Drones
While 3D printing has long been associated with the world of supercars, a new chapter is unfolding in aviation, specifically drones. What was once primarily a tool for rapid prototyping is now making its mark in aerospace manufacturing. A trailblazing example comes from Divergent 3D, a company renowned for its innovative additive manufacturing techniques. Beyond revolutionizing the automotive industry, Divergent is now collaborating with drone maker General Atomics to 3D print wings that could reshape the future of uncrewed aerial vehicles. Divergent 3D, famous for its collaboration with Czinger in creating the record-breaking 21C hybrid supercar, is expanding its reach into the skies. By venturing into the aviation field, Divergent is redefining the possibilities of 3D printing. The company’s cutting-edge technology, once used to create lightweight subframes for renowned car manufacturers, is now applied to crafting drone aerodynamic wings. This evolution highlights the adaptability and versatility of additive manufacturing across industries.
Czinger, a startup associated with Divergent’s pioneering technology, serves as a showcase for the prowess of 3D printing. The remarkable Czinger 21C, touted as the world’s fastest production car, embodies the fusion of performance and additive manufacturing. With 1,250 horsepower and unparalleled aerodynamic downforce, the 21C underscores the potential of 3D-printed components in achieving unprecedented automotive feats. Kevin Czinger, founder of Czinger, emphasizes the intrinsic connection between design, functionality, and innovation in 3D printing. Optimizing material usage and energy efficiency through computing power mirrors the intricate dynamics of nature’s evolution. As Czinger puts it, “Form is following function,” resulting in organic-looking parts that transcend traditional manufacturing constraints.
The integration of 3D-printed components in aerospace introduces an element of organic precision. Additive manufacturing allows for parts consolidation, reducing weight and enhancing performance. Notably, the brake node in the Czinger 21C exemplifies this innovation, merging the caliper and suspension upright while achieving a remarkable 40 percent reduction in mass. As Divergent’s collaboration with General Atomics suggests, aerospace is on the cusp of transformation. Infusing 3D printing into drone manufacturing could revolutionize the capabilities of uncrewed aerial vehicles, opening new avenues for design, efficiency, and performance. This convergence of cutting-edge technology with aviation underscores the limitless potential of additive manufacturing in shaping our future.
Adaptability is the cornerstone of innovation and unlock new avenues of success.
JONATHAN M. GITLIN – 3D printing isn’t just for supercars, now it’s for drones, too.
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